Annexes
Annex 1 - Sample Voluntary Repatriation Form
An example of the type of form that might be used for a
large-scale repatriation is given below. Where FBARS is used, it produces a
pre-completed form with information taken during registration, which will then
only need the signature. This form can be modified to suit the requirements of
the operation.
Notes for those drawing up the form
1. Agree the information required with the authorities. All of
the items in the example below may not be necessary.
2. Agree who needs to complete a separate form. The example is
designed to be completed by each person over 18 years old and unaccompanied
children, but it may be sufficient to have the head of the family group complete
one form for all accompanying dependents.
3. Agree on the number of copies and language(s): normally
original plus three copies with the following distribution: original -
authorities; UNHCR in country of asylum; copy 1 - applicant; copies 2 and 3 -for
travel and arrival formalities.
4. If at all possible, print the forms in sets on 'pre-carboned'
paper.
5. Draw up simple completion instructions.
Figure
I, the undersigned principle applicant, declare that I (and my
dependents) after due consideration wish to be repatriated to
____________________
|
Applicant: |
Date: |
Witness: |
Annex 2 - Types of Transport
General Considerations
Below are some advantages and disadvantages of the common means
of transport. Whichever form of transport is used, the plan should also take
into consideration:
1. Food, accommodation and minimum emergency health care during
the journey. Where distances are short, it is recommended that only material
assistance needed for the duration of the journey, plus, if essential, for the
first few days after arrival, be distributed prior to departure. This will help
reduce any incentive to "repatriate" several times;
2. Capacity to move all reasonable private possessions of the
refugees, if at all possible at the same time as their owners. Remember that
what refugees carry with them on return will be used to ensure more successful
reinstallation and move more quickly towards self-sufficiency (i.e., roofing
material, livestock, etc.);
3. Appropriate security and the maintenance of public order
during all stages of the journey;
4. Arrangements for the safe transfer of the required
documentation, passenger lists, registration forms, etc., and for keeping
statistical records of the progress of the operation;
5. Escort or monitoring of the actual repatriation by or on
behalf of UNHCR. At least for the first movements, a UNHCR staff member should
accompany the returnees. Ensure voluntariness even during the movement stage.
|
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES |
|
FOOT |
|
(i) Spontaneous and self-organized |
(i) Returnees can take little household effects |
|
(ii) No logistical requirements necessary |
(ii) Requires first aid medical stations, provision of potable
water and food along route |
|
|
(iii) Special assistance required for vulnerable groups
(children, elderly, disabled) |
|
|
(iv) Increased security risk. Risk of separation of families
|
|
TRUCK |
|
(i) Can be used on most roads |
(i) Open to elements |
|
(ii) Usually available |
(ii) Danger to passengers |
|
(iii) Plenty of space for luggage |
(iii) Uncomfortable |
|
BUS |
|
(i) Greater passenger capacity in safety |
(i) Limited luggage space except on roof |
|
(ii) Faster than truck if roads allow |
(ii) Slower unloading and loading (e.g. at border and road
checks |
|
(iii) More comfortable |
|
Notes for truck and bus
1. Assuming both bus and truck are available, the deciding
factor may well be journey distance. If road conditions allow, a bus is usually
preferred for longer journeys. Check with the refugees if a truck is acceptable,
consider how small children would fare, what passengers would hold on to and how
luggage will be secured. Some form of sun shade or other protection may be
necessary.
2. For both truck and bus, the following facilities will be
needed:
-vehicle fuel;
- food and water for repatriates during journey;
- emergency health care;
- breakdown or recovery service;
- vehicle insurance for the country of destination.
3. For any movement by road, try to avoid having to change
vehicles at the frontier. While it is generally easier to use vehicles from the
country of asylum, consider if having those from the country of origin coming to
fetch repatriates has advantages. Ensure that drivers do not work excessive
hours and that they have immigration and other clearances through to the
destination.
4. It may be difficult to keep trucks together in tightly
grouped convoys, and this is often impracticable on dusty roads in any event.
However, there must be one person clearly identified as responsible for each
group of vehicles. Seek local advice on how to marshal and control the vehicles.
Prearranged stopping points where all vehicles regroup, with the person in
charge in the last vehicle is one solution. Make sure all drivers are aware of
breakdown or accident procedures.
TRAIN
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
(i) Easy overall control including border crossing |
(i) Much less flexible: secondary transport required to and from
railhead |
|
(ii) Plenty of luggage space |
(ii) Often slower than road |
|
(iii) Can be made self-sufficient (fuel, food, water, etc.) over
longer distances |
|
Notes
1. Movement by rail rather than road may be the better solution
where large numbers are repatriating to the same initial destination.
2. To avoid delays at the border, try and organize immigration,
customs and health formalities either only at the final destination or by
embarking officials who complete them during the journey.
AIR
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
(i) Swift, convenient and easily controlled |
(i) High cost |
|
(ii) Assembly and reception facilities are likely to
exist
already |
(ii) Secondary transport required to and
from airport |
|
(iii) Optimum means for long distances and especially
for the
sick, disabled and otherwise vulnerable |
(iii) Limited luggage capacity |
Notes
1. For any large scale repatriation, existing commercial flights
will be insufficient (and more expensive than chartering). In general, the most
economical aircraft on a medium or long haul is a full wide-bodied jet (i.e.
jumbo or airbus type).
2. UNHCR has considerable experience in chartering aircraft for
repatriation operations. The agreement is likely to be concluded from Geneva and
advice should be sought from Headquarters (the Regional Bureau and Supply and
Transport Section) regarding procedures and standards of safety.
3. In addition to practical matters such as runway length,
consider requesting from the governments concerned:
- concession to use duty free fuel (check fuel
availability);
-waivers of in-flight route charges, landing and parking fees;
- payment only for actual cost of handling charges rather than
the fixed commercial fees.
BOAT
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
(i) Greater passenger and luggage capacity |
(i) Secondary transport to or from port
required |
|
(ii) Assembly and reception facilities already likely
to
exist |
(ii) Slow and costly |
|
(iii) Comfortable |
(iii) Sea sickness |
